Danny Ainge on Avery Bradley: ‘We’re ecstatic to have him back’

The Celtics confirmed Tuesday what had been known for over a week – Avery Bradley is coming back to Boston.

Before the Celtics headed to Florida to take part in the Orlando Summer League, the restricted free agent and the team came to terms on a four-year deal worth a reported $32 million. On Tuesday, the team made the signing official, but did not disclose the financial terms.

“We see Avery as a key part of our chase of Banner 18,” Danny Ainge, Celtics President of Basketball Operations, said in a statement. “He keeps getting better and is still far from reaching his ceiling. We’re ecstatic to have him back.”

The Philadelphia 76ers were among the teams rumored to be interested in the defensive shutdown specialist, likely driving up his price. The other factor that also figured in the $8 million per season pricetag was the uncertain future of Rajon Rondo with the Celtics. If the Celtics come to an agreement to deal Rondo, they did not want to be left without an established guard in the backcourt. Bradley and Rondo currently lead a backcourt group that also includes Marcus Smart, Phil Pressey, Chris Babb, Keith Bogans and Chris Johnson.

The Boston Herald reported that Bradley was in town Tuesday for his physical and to sign his new deal that begins with an annual salary just north of $7 million per season and escalates from there. The paper also reported that Bradley’s trip to town likely ends speculation that the Celtics were considering a sign-and-trade similar to the one that sent Kris Humphries to Washington this week.

The 6-foot-2 guard, considered the top defender on the team and one of the best defensive guards in the East, is coming off a breakout 2013-14 season where he recorded career-highs in points per game (14.9), rebounds per game (3.8), minutes (1855), field goals made (361), three-pointers made (79) and free throws made (90).

Bradley matched a career-high with 28 points against Brooklyn on March 21 and led the Celtics in scoring in 17 games and recorded 20 or more points in 16 contests. He recorded his first career double-double when he recorded 13 points and a career-high 10 rebounds against New York on Dec. 8.

Selected with the 19th overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft, Bradley recorded his 1,000th career point in the opening game of the season against Toronto on October 30.